Lipstick plant care guide

The lipstick plant trails long stems of glossy leaves. In bright light, bright red flowers poke out of dark, tube-shaped buds, like lipstick rising from its case. It looks great in a hanging basket and is safe for pets.

It is a cousin of the African violet and the goldfish plant.

Light

Give it bright, indirect light, such as a spot near an east window. A little morning sun helps it bloom.

In low light, it grows long, bare vines and few flowers. Hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves.

Water

Water when the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer. Use room-temperature water.

Soggy soil rots the roots. Dry soil drops leaves and buds. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

In the wild, it grows on trees. Use a light, airy mix, such as African violet mix with perlite or orchid bark.

It blooms best a little snug. Repot every two years in spring, one size up. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

It likes humid air. Dry winter air drops leaves and buds. A humidifier or a group of plants helps.

Keep it between 18 and 27°C (65 and 80°F), away from cold drafts.

Feeding

Feed every two to four weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip winter.

Pruning

After it blooms, cut long, bare vines back by a third, just above a leaf. New stems grow from below the cut, and the plant gets fuller. More stem tips means more flowers.

Getting it to bloom

1. Bright, indirect light.
2. A snug pot.
3. Regular feeding in spring and summer.
4. A cooler, drier rest in winter, around 15 to 18°C (60 to 65°F), with less water.
5. A trim after blooming.

Propagation

1. Cut a stem tip 10 cm (4 in) long.
2. Pull off the lowest leaves.
3. Set it in water or damp mix.
4. Roots grow in three to four weeks.

Put several cuttings in one pot for a full basket.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
No flowers	Not enough light, or no winter rest
Leaves drop	Cold, dry air, or dry soil
Long, bare vines	Not enough light, or never trimmed
Mushy stems at the soil	Too much water
Buds drop	Dry soil, a draft, or a move

Pests

Mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can show up. Check where the leaves meet the stems.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists lipstick plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Varieties

• ‘Mona Lisa’ is the most common, with red flowers and glossy green leaves.
• Curly lipstick plant has twisted, curled leaves.
• ‘Black Pagoda’ has mottled leaves and yellow-green flowers.
• ‘Tangerine’ has orange flowers.